Driving awareness for a more sustainable future

Interactive book for families and schools provides ‘bio-based’ food for thought

By Amanda Beard, Account Manager, Minerva UK
October 2021

Sustainability at home, at work and in the community is increasingly at the forefront of people’s minds. Finding practical and innovative ways to take action is explored in a unique book, aimed at 5-8 year olds, called ‘What’s Bioeconomy?’

Launched in the UK earlier this year by Minerva UK, which played an instrumental role in its development and production alongside partners in the EU funded project BIOVOICES (www.biovoices.eu), the ‘What’s Bioeconomy?’ book introduces bio-based products through several ‘everyday’ scenes.  From ‘home’ to ‘school’, ‘city’ to ‘countryside’, this interactive book includes information and guidance for adults and children alike.

‘What’s Bioeconomy?’ presents in a playful and engaging way surprising facts that challenge our thinking and understanding about how to make the shift from fossil fuels to bio-based resources and materials. Each page contains multiple ‘windows’ with simple questions on the outside of the flaps and answers underneath them. Available in 10 languages, it includes a range of experiments and activities for families to undertake at home.

The success and popularity of the book to date is evident from the reviews received from adults and children who have enjoyed sharing and learning about the bioeconomy. Ruth Blackman, a parent from Hampshire, seen with her son Lucian above said: 

“The illustrations are beautifully drawn and Lucian was very engaged by this… pointing out the things he knew and even asked about the things he didn’t know.”

Ruth continues:

“I love how it’s written and illustrated in a way that it educates all ages at the same time, so it’s a great all round family book.”

 

Ruth Blackman and her son Lucian from Hampshire ©Minerva

Support has also been received from UK business groups and councils. David Gleave, Economic Development Officer at Test Valley Borough Council comments:

“The book is a fun way of translating the principles of sustainability into everyday language and practical actions that we can all take.”

Lisa Hall from the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce Green Innovation Group describes the book as “an exceptional educational tool both for children and for adults”.

She continues “the book is exactly tailored with the right balance of illustrations and key messages and facts to enable awareness and understanding of the importance of the ‘Bioeconomy’ – and looking at the ways in which we can each play a part in making small or big changes to be more sustainable and look after our environment.”

 

Teddy aged 9 from Wiltshire ©Minerva

The wider public is often unaware of bioeconomy-related terminologies, the research and innovations in this field, and how these can be applied in everyday life. ‘What’s Bioeconomy?’ is the first book of its kind which aims to do this and increase awareness of the benefits of a sustainable and circular bioeconomy.

The final word on the book comes from 9 year old Teddy from Wiltshire who states:

“The book inspires you to do the things in it. It helps you be a better person to the planet.”

To find out more about the ‘What’s Bioeconomy?’ book and obtain a copy please contact us at info@minervacomms.net.

Case Study: Bradford Science Festival 2021

The Bradford Science Festival (BSF) was first established in 2017 by the National Science & Media Museum with the aim to engage with a wide and diverse audience, reflective of the Bradford District community with informal STEM learning. The festival continues to inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators.

The festival returned in October 2021 with a full programme of live events, including a range of new activities at The University of Bradford’s STEM Centre focused around the ‘What’s Bioeceonomy?’ book.  The aim was to engage visitors and raise awareness of biomaterials in everyday life.

The University trained a team of amazing student volunteers who delivered hands-on demonstrations and special challenges to engage families before handing out copies of the book.  There was a lot of interest in the subject of biomaterials and the bio economy, creating a real ‘buzz’ on the stand.  The volunteers interacted with over 530 people across the weekend, with 65% visitors aged under 18.

Visitors spent an average of 15-20 minutes taking part in the activity, talking to the volunteers, looking through the book and asking questions. Parents felt the book was very connected with what the children were already learning in school.  It helped them feel informed and able to continue learning at home.  Visitors particularly loved how interactive and colourful the book was!

This new initiative was a great success and the National Science & Media Museum hope to continue to inspire the next generation by offering similar activities for future festivals.

 

 All photos © Jason Lock and the Science Museum Group

 

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